Markets appear to be backing up Richardson’s prediction — crude oil prices dropped yesterday in anticipation of OPEC’s vote to boost production 1.45 million barrels a day.

But not everyone believes the vote will ease pump prices. “At this point there’s no cause for celebration,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Iran, OPEC’s second largest producer, balked at the production increase — but other OPEC countries heeded warnings by Saudi Arabia that maintaining higher prices would ultimately harm oil sales by hurting the world economy.